Manager Paulo Fonseca was full of praise for AC Milan after Samuel Chukwueze scored twice in their 6-1 defeat to Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia round of 16 at the San Siro.
Nigeria striker Chukwueze headed in from close range in the 12th minute and slotted his second past goalkeeper Giacomo Satalino less than 10 minutes later after Tammy Abraham found him inside the right-hand box.
Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reinders grabbed the early goals in between Chukwueze’s efforts, hitting a powerful strike from outside the penalty area.
Tammy after tonight’s big win 🗣️#MilanSassuolo #SempreMilan #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa pic.twitter.com/w7rA4n9E1b
— AC Milan (@acmilan) December 4, 2024
Rafael Leao scored the fourth to send Milan to a 4-0 lead for their second home win in four days and third in a row in all competitions.
Davide Calabria hit the post after Christian Pulisic’s shot in the 56th minute and Ibrahim added a sixth from a tight angle after Samuele Mulattieri replied for the second-tier leaders.
“Milan” football players are ready
“It was a very good performance,” Fonseca told Sport Mediaset via Italian football. “The first half was amazing and it also helped me to rest some players.
“I only have positive things because we took it very seriously. I’m very happy with the attitude of the players. I always said that I believe in all my players, that’s why they all play.
“I am satisfied today because some players who have not played much this season showed a good game. They showed me that they are ready and I want it.”
Reaction after the game from the gaffe 🎙️#MilanSassuolo #SempreMilan #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa pic.twitter.com/WwrIciBJQi
— AC Milan (@acmilan) December 3, 2024
Milan results: “Real progress”
Milan started Fonseca’s reign with one win in five games but are now unbeaten in seven games and have lost one of their last 10 games.
“I told the players that the most important thing in these games is to avoid rest,” said the Portuguese. “It was important that we started strong, recovered the ball quickly and pressed high, and they did all that.
“In the past it was a problem that arose from dealing with smaller teams, but today we showed real progress on this score. I can only be satisfied.
“I am responsible for everything that happens on this side, and if we have had a bad relationship before, I will not try to escape my responsibility for it.”
Seventh-placed Milan are four points behind sixth-placed Juventus with a game in hand. The Rossoneri travel to second-placed Atalanta on Friday (19:45 GMT).
